3-enol ethers of 6-methyl-3-oxo-deta4-steroids and process for preparing same



United States Patent 3,228,933 3-ENOL ETHERS 0F G-IWETHYL-S-OXO-M-STE- ROIDS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAME David Neville Kirk and Vladimir Petrow, both of London, England, assignors to The British Drug Houses Limited No Drawing. Filed Jan. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 168,794 Claims priority, application Great Britain, Feb. 22, 1961, 6,454/ 61 9 Claims. (Cl. 260-239.55)

This invention is for improvements in or relating to organic compounds and has particular reference to steroidal materials containing a carbon substituent at C It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and general process for the preparation of the 3-enol ethers of 6-rnethyl-3-oxo-A -steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane and l9-norpregnane series.

We have made the surprising discovery that 3-enolic ethers of 6-arninomethyl-3-oxo-A -steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane and 19-norpregnane series including general Formula I below may be converted by the process of this invention into the corresponding 3-enol ethers of 6-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids of the androstane, l9-norandrostane, pregnane and 19-norpregnane series including general Formula II below.

The process of this invention is a discovery of outstanding importance in the field of steroid technology. In the first place, many of the products of the present invention possess biological activity which renders them of value in, for example, the veterinary field. Thus for example, the 3-enol ethers of 6,l7a-dimethyltestosterone possess anabolic/androgenic activity when administered by the oral route. The 3-enol ethers of l7a-acetoxy-6- methyland l7aacetoxy-6-methyl-16-methyleneprogesterone are potent orally-active progestational agents. The 3-enol ethers of 6-methyl cortisone have anti-inflammatory properties when administered by the oral route. In addition, certain of these ethers, e.g. the 3-n-propyl ether of 6-methylcortisone acetate, posses anti-inflammatory activity when administered parenterally.

In addition, the compounds of the present invention are of great value as intermediates for the preparation of other biologically active steroids. Thus, for example, they may be converted by hydrolysis into the corresponding 6a-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids as indicated below:

methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids have established utility in the medicinal field as is well-known to those skilled in the art.

Another valuable use for the products of this invention is as intermediates for the preparation of 6-methyl-3- oxo-4,6-dienic steroids which materials have established utility as is well-known to those skilled in the art and into which the products of the invention (in which R is Me) may be converted, for example, by addition of halogen followed by dehalogenation as indicated below:

Me 1 j t Bra HBr; R Br 0:

Alternatively the G-methyl-B-enol ethers which form the products of this invention may be converted into the corresponding 6-methyl-3-oxo-4,6-dienic steroids by the action of chloranil and other similar quinonoidal oxidants.

Yet a further use for the products of this invention is as intermediates for the synthesis of other types of steroid materials, of which some may be expected to have valuable biological properties. Thus, for example, they undergo conversion into enol acylates, oxidation with peracids, and ether interchange reactions.

It is a further. object of the present invention to provide pharmaceutical preparations of the biologicallyactive materials.

The present invention provides new 3-enol ethers of 6-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane and 19-norpregnane series including th Formula II below.

The invention provides the specific 3-enolic 6-methyl- 3-oxo-A -steroids:

17fl-acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 methylandrosta-3,5-diene, which is of value as an intermediate for the preparation of 6umethyltestosterone and its acyl derivatives.

17cc acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5- dien-ZO-one which possesses progestational activity and is an intermediate for the preparation of 3-CO-A -steroid derivatives,

G-methylcortisone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether which possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

17ot,20: 20,2;1 =bismethylenedioxy 3 ethoxy '6-methylpregna 3,5 dien 'llfi 01 and l7a,20:20,21 bismethylenedioxy 3 ethoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5- dien ll-one which are intermediates for the preparation of 6-methyl hydrocortisone into which they may be converted by careful hydrolysis under acidic conditions.

1705 acetoxy 3 methoxy 6 methyl 16 methylenepregna-3,5-dien-20-one and '17a-acetoxy-3-metl1oxy-6, 1'6a-dimethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one which possesses progestational activity and are intermediates for the preparation of 3-CO-A -steroid derivatives.

3 ethoxy 1601,170; isopropylidenedioxy 6 methylpregna3,5-dien-20-one which possess progestational properties and is an intermediate for the preparation of 3-CO-A -steroid derivative which has progestational and cl-audogenic activity.

6,1704 dimethyl 17 3 hydroxy 3 methoxyandrosta- 3,5.-d-iene and 17a-ethy1-17fl-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methyl- -androsta-3,-5-diene which possess anabolic/androgenic properties and are intermediates for the preparation of 3-C-O-A -steroid derivatives.

6 methyl 3 ethoxypregna 3,5,17(20)-trien-21-0ate ethyl ester, 6-methyl-3-ethoxy-2l-acetoxypregna-3,'5,17-

(20)-triene and 3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,5-dien-17- one which are intermediates for the preparation of 3-CO-A -steroid derivatives of value in G-methyl steroid manufacture using methods of prior art. The last compound is also valuable for example propynylation at C followed by careful acid hydrolysis of enol system to give dimethisterone.

6-methyl-cortisone acetate 3-enol 3-hydroxyethyl)- ether, 6-met-hyl cortisone acetate 3-enol cyclopentyl ether, 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol cyclohexyl ether, 6- methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol (3'-phenylpropyl) ether, 6methyl cortisone acetate B-enol n-propyl ether, 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol iso-propyl ether, -6-methy1 cortisone acetate 3-eno1 n-butyl ether, 6-met-hyl cortisone acetate 3-enol sec.-bu-tyl ether, 6- methy'1 cortisone acetate 3- enol n-amyl ether, '6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol nhexyl ether and 6-methyl cortisone acetate '3-enol n-heptyl ether which possess anti-inflammatory properties and are intermediates for the preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate.

21 acetoxy 17cc hydroxy 3 methoxy =6 methylpregna 3,5,9( 11) trien Q one, 170: hydroxy 3- methoxy 6,211 dimethylpregna 3,5 diene 11,20- dione and 21 acetoxy 170a hydroxy- 3 methoxy -6- methylpregna-3,5,9-(1'1)-trien20-one which are intermediates for the preparation of 6-methyl cor-ticoids.

160c,17ot epoxy 3 methoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5- dien-20-one which is an intermediate for the preparation of medroxy progesterone acetate into which it may be converted by methods of prior art.

2.1 acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5 dien- 20-one which is an intermediate for the preparation of 6-methyldesoxycorticosterone acetate.

17p acetoxy 20,6 dimethyl 3 ethoxyandrosta- 3,5-diene which is an intermediate for the preparation of 20,6a-dimethyltestosterone.

6 methyl 3 methoxy 17 53 acetoxy 19 norandrost-3,5-diene which is an intermediate for the preparation of -6-methyltestosterone and esters thereof.

3 methoxy 6 methylandrosta 3,5 dien 17-one which is an intermediate for the preparation of '3-CO-A steroid derivatives of value in 6 methyl steroid manufacture using methods of prior art and is also valuable for e.g. propynylation at C followed by careful acid hydrolysis of enol system to give dimethisterone.

6-methy1 cortisone acetate '3-enol benzyl ether which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is an intermediate for the preparation of '6-methyl cortisone.

3 ethoxy 6,160; dimethylpregna 3,5 dien 20- one which possesses progestational properties.

6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is an intermediate for the preparation of'6-methy1 corticoids.

6-methylhydrocortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether of value as anti-inflammatory agent.

3 methoxy 6 methyloestra 3,5 dien 1'7 one of value on account of its anabolic/androgenic properties and as an intermediate for the preparation of 6-methyl- 19-nor steroids into which it may be converted by methods of prior art, e.g. by ethynylation, chlorethynylation 0 reaction with Grignard reagents.

-6-methylcortisone acetate 3-enol n-octyl ether of value as anti-inflammatory agent.

Q1 acetoxy 3 methoxy 6 methylpregna 6,5,17- (20)-trien-'1'l-one of value as intermediate for the preparation of 6-methy1 steroids, e.g.;6-methylcortisone into S-oxo-M-steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregn-ane and '1-9-norpregnane series including the formula lids (II) where R is Me or H, R is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, R" is an alkyl group containing up to 6 carbon atoms, R' is an alkyl group containing up to 6 carbon atoms or aryl or R" and R together form a ring wherein NR"R"' represents piperidino, pyrrolidino or morpholino and X is an electron pair or an electron pair associated with a borane or an electron pair associated with hydrogen or an electron pair associated with oxygen (viz. an N-oxide) or an electron pair associated with al-kyl or alkaryl to a process of hydrogenolysis.

The process may be one of catalytic hydrogenolysis when the 3-enolic 6-aminomethyl starting material is reacted with Raney nickel or with Raney nickel, platinum or palladium catalysts and hydrogen or a source thereof to effect hydrogenolysis of the CN bond.

Palladium charcoal in the presence of cyclohexene or other source of hydrogen including benzyl alcohol is particularly convenient and suitable for effecting hydrogenolysi-s of the CN bond.

The starting material maybe a 6-aminomethy1 3-enolic ether, or a borane complex thereof or acidic salt thereof or -N-oxide thereof or quaternary salt thereof. In special cases it may be advisable to use other addition compounds of the 6-a-rninomethyl 3-enolic ethers such as, for example, the borontrifluoride addition complexes.

Quaternary salts are advantageously used as starting materials when Raney nickel is employed as reductant.

The free amines, their salts and borane complexes are advantageously employed when the palladium charcoalcyclohexene type of reducing system is employed.

The preparation of 6-aminomethyl-3-enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair) is described in our concurrently filed application No. 168,827, which process may be adapted in various ways as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The preparation of the borane complexes of 6-aminomethyl-3- enolic others (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair associated with a borane) and of salts of 6-aminomethyl-3-enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair associated with hydrogen) are likewise described in our concurrently filedv application No. 168,827.

The preparation of these materials is effected by, for example, treating the 3-enol ether of a 3-oxo-A -steroid with phosgene and dimethylformamide (the Vilsmeier reagent) in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride at C. and reducing the intermediate iminium salt with a borohydride in situ. Experimental conditions of reduction in which excess borane is present may lead to the formation of the borane complex corresponding to Formula I.

The preparation of quaternary salts of 6-aminomethyl- S-enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair associated with alkyl or aralkyl) may be effected by standard methods Well-known to those skilled in the art such, for example, as treating the foregoing 6-aminomethyl-3-enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair) with a quaternating agent such as an alkyl or aralkyl halide, sulphate or p-toluene sulphonate in an organic solvent if so desired.

The preparation of N-oxides of the 6-aminomet-hyl-3- enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is an electron pair associated with oxygen) is effected by methods of prior art including reaction of the appropriate tertiary amine in methanol with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature.

The quaternary salts so obtained, and in particular the methochlorides, methobromides, methoacetates, methosulphates and other soluble salts, form pharmacologicallyactive agents in their own right and are of intrinsic importance on this account. Thus, for example, they may exhibit ganglion-blocking activity, hypotensive activity and CNS-depressant activity, antibacterial activity. They may also show surface activity. Preparation of water/alcohol soluble quaternary salts from, for example, the less water/ alcohol soluble methoiodides may be achieved by methods of prior art. Thus, for example, the finely powdered methoiodides may be shaken in water/alcohol suspension with an excess of freshly pre cipitated silver chloride at room temperature and, after .anion interchange has occurred, the precipitated silver halides removed by filtration leaving the desired methochlorides in solution. The quaternary .p-toluene sulphonates may be converted, for example, into methobromides by, for example, salting out from aqueous/ alcoholic solution with excess potassium bromide.

It is well known to those skilled in the art that in general the ease of hydrogenolysis of the CN bond may increase in passing from derivatives of teritary nitrogen to derivatives of quaternary nitrogen (see Houben-Weyl, Methoden der Organischen Chemie, 4th ed., 1958, vol. XI/2, p. 640). It follows, therefore, that quaternary nitrogen derivatives such as the salts, borane addition complexes, quaternary salts and N-oxides derived from 6-aminomethyl 3-enolic ethers (including general Formula I in which X is :H, :0, :BH or :Alkyl) form convenient starting materials for conversion into the 6-methyl 3-enolic ethers (including general Formula II). In particular quaternary derivatives including general For- (where R is H, EH or lower alkyl and R and R have the same meaning as above) are preferred owing to their ease of formation and hydrogenolysis.

HYDR OGENOLYSIS Raney nickel is a generally convenient reducing agent for effecting hydrogenolysis of the CN bond. Its particular advantage lies in its ability to effect hydrogenolysis of the CN bond without concomitant reduction of oxo and other readily reducible groups, including certain unsaturated linkages that may be present in the steroidal starting products. Thus, for example, by using Raney nickel in methanol as the reducing agent, 21-acetoxy-3- ethoxy-17a-hydroxy 6 trimethylaminomethylpregn-a-3,5- diene-11,20-dione iodide may be converted into the 3-enol ether of Gannethylcortisone acetate in excellent yield and with no apparent concomitant reduction of the ll-oxo group, the ketol side chain or the unsaturated-conjugated system present in the material. It may be convenient, however, to use more powerful reducing agents in specific cases (see, for example, Houben-Weyl, loc. cit.).

Reduction of quaternary salts, in general, is readily effected employing 3 to 10 parts of Raney nickel in boiling methanol or ethanol, when reductive hydrogenolysis of the CN bond is generally complete in 0.4 to 4.0 hours. Slow reaction, however occurs even at room temperature. Reduction is somewhat slower when acetone is employed as solvent. Addition of a butler such as sodium acetate is, in general, advantageous. Pretreatment of the Raney nickel to remove alkaline impurities may be desirable when hydro genolysing materials containing readily hydrolysable acyl groups, such for example as are present in 21-acylated corticoidal types. Such alkaline impurities may be removed from the Raney nickel by, for example, leaving it in contact with methyl or ethyl acetate/ methanol for several hours at room temperature, before adding it to the steroidal starting material. Buffers such as (HOCH C.NH /HCl at pH 6 to 8 may also be used for this purpose, or the pH of the solution may be controlled within these limits by addition of small quantities of, for example, acetic acid during the course of the reaction.

Reduction of (water/alcohol) soluble quaternary salts may be conveniently achieved by catalytic methods employing, for example, Raney nickel, palladium on charcoal or calcium carbonate, or platinum catalysts in the presence of hydrogen at pressures approximating to atmospheric pressure, and at room temperature. Addition of a buffering agent such as sodium acetate maybe desirable. When using Pt or Pd catalysts hydrogenation is preferably continued until approximately the theoretical quantity of hydrogen has been absorbed. The catalyst is thereafter removed by filtration and the product recovered from the filtrate by standard methods of prior art.

As catalytic methods of reduction are less selective I in some respects than is Raney nickel, attention will be required to avoid hydrogenation or hydrogenolysis of groups (which may be present in the material) other than the CN groups. Thus, for example, bromine at C or benzyloxy at C in general, undergo partial or complete hydrogenolysis in the presence of PdC/H Methylene and vinyl groups likewise undergo ready hydrogenation under these conditions. Unsaturated linkages at 0 are, in general, stable, but unsaturated linkages at 11,12 14,15 15,16 C16,1'7 and 17,20 y ill general, suffer reduction. These facts will, of course, be apparent to those skilled in the art so that such operators of the invention will be able to so select the experimental conditions as to obtain the result required. Thus, for example, it may be desirable to generate the 6-methyl group concomitantly with reductive removal of Br at C or reductive conversion of l6-methylene to 16-methyl.

Reduction of the free amines or their borane addition complexes may be effected as above, although hydrogenolysis of the CN link is somewhat slower than in the case of the quaternary salts.

Reduction of the salts of the tertiary bases, in general, requires addition of a butler such as sodium acetate (in order to neutralise the acidic component) prior to hydrogenolysis.

A particularly useful method for achieving hydrogenolysis of the CN linkage comprises treating the 6-aminomethyl derivative and particularly its salt with a weak acid or its borane addition complex or its quaternary 7 V derivative with palladium charcoal in a hydroxylic solvent such as a lower aliphatic alcohol, in the presence of a source of hydrogen such for example as cyclohexene or benzyl alcohol. The reaction is conveniently performed atthe boiling point of the solvent and in general within the temperature range of 30 C. to 120 C. Reduction of the free aminomethyl derivative is slow under these experimental conditions, but may be speeded up by the addition of a molar proportion of an acid such for example as benzoic acid which is not strong enough to efiect hydrolysis of the resulting 6-methyl enol ether. The reaction may be performed in the presence of excess of, for example, acetic acid providing sufiicient of a buffering' agent such for example as sodium acetate is added to protect the resulting 6-methy1 enol ether from hydrolysis. An especially convenient system for this purpose utilises acetic acid/sodium acetate in the ratio 1:3, the acetic acid being in excess over the molar proportion corresponding to the amine. Ethanol for-msa convenient solvent. When a borane addition complex or a quaternary salt is being reduced by this process it is, in general, unnecessary to add acids as buffering agents to the mixture. 7

Reduction of N-oxide intermediates is conveniently performed employing palladium charcoal/hydrogen in a hydroxylic solvent such as a lower aliphatic alcohol.

SCOPE OF THE PROCESS OF THE INVENTION The process of the invention is generally applicable to the 3-enol ethers of 6-aminomethy1 steroids of the andros tane, 913,10a-androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, 95,10a-pregnane and 19-norpregnane series including general Formula I which may be additionally substituted 'by Hydroxyl or acyloxy groups at positions such as 11, 12,

16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21,

l6-hydroxyme'thyl and 16-acyloxymethyl groups,

The condensation products of a-glycols, including 16u,17u-glycols with carbonyl components,

Carbonyl groups at positions such as 11, 12, 16, 17, 18,

20 and 21,

Carbalkoxy (carboxy) groups at C C and C or in the side chain,

Alkyl groups and in particular Me groups at C C C C and C and Et at C Alkenyl groups such as vinyl and allyl atC Methylene and ethylidene groups at C and C C Lactone, ether and spiroketal residues,

Fluorine groups at C C C C C and C Similarly situated chlorine and bromine groups may undergo reductive removal during hydrogenolysis unless appropriately mild conditions are employed for the hydrogenolysis stage.

Unsaturated linkages at C Acylated ketol groups,

Corticoid side chains when acylated, converted into the bismethylene dioxy-derivatives or cyclic carbonates. The process of the invention may be used in the preparation of 6-aminomethyl 3-enol ethers of the following steroids and acyl derivatives thereof:

its

,17a-dimethylmethylenedioxyprogesterone and its 9 11)-dehydro, ll-oxo and 1 l-hydroxy derivatives,

Cortisone,

16-methylcortis0ne,

21-rnethylcortisone,

1-6-methylenecortisone,

1 6a-hydroxy cortisone and the thereof,

Hydrocortiso-ne,

16-methylhydrocortisone,

21-rnethylhydrocortisone,

1 6-rnethylenehydrocortisone,

16ot-hydroxyhydrocortisone and the (16a,17a)-acetonide thereof,

1711,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9 l1)-diene-3 ,20-dione,

l-6u-hydroxy-17zx,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9'(1 1)-diene-3 ,20-

dione,

21 methyl 17 0;,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9( 11)-diene-3,20-

dione,

16-methylene-17oc,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9(1 1 -diene-3 20-dione,

16u-hydr0xy-17a,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9( 11)-diene-3 ,20-

. dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof,

21 fluoro 17a-hydroxypregna-4,'9(11)-diene-3,20-dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof, 7

21-fiuoro-17a-hydroXypregn-4-ene-3 ,1 1,20-trione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof,

21-fluoro-1 1,17a-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof,

2 1-hyclr-oxypregna-4, 17 (20 -dien-3 -one,

l1-oxo-21-hydroxypregna-4, 17 (20)-dien-3-one,

11,21-dihydroxypregna-4,17 (20)-dien-3 -one,

9(11 )-dehydro-21-hydroxypregna-4,l7 20) -dien-3-one,

3-oxopregna-4,17 (20) -dienoic acid (esters),

3 ,11-dioxopregna-4,17(20)-dienoic acid (esters),

11-hydroxy-3 -oXopregna-4, 17 (20 -dienoic acid (esters),

9( 11)-dehydro-3-oxopregna-4,17(20)-dienoic acid (esters),

21-fluoro-l7a-acyloxyprogesterone and the 9(11)-dehydro,

ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives thereof,

Progesterone,

16-methylprogesterone,

16,17 -methyleneprcgesterone and 16,17-ethy1idine progesterone,

1 l-oxoprogesterone,

9 1 1 -dehydroprogesterone,

2 l-methylprogesterone,

Diosgenone,

16-methyl-16,17-dehydr'oprogester0ne,

1 6-carb alkoXypr-ogesterone,

16-hydroxyrnethylprogesterone,

3-(3-oxo-l7fl-hydroxyandrost-4-en-17rx-yl) propionic acid,

2 l-fluoroprogesterone,

Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and its Zea-methyl, 16f3-1nethyl and 2a,16B-dimethyl derivatives,

Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione containing ring C groups including A ll-hydroxy and ll-oxo,

Testololactone.

Following is a descriptionnbywayof example of methods of carrying the invention into effect.

. Etol Me A solution of the 6-dimethylaminomethyl borane of 17,8-acetoxy-3-ethoxyandrosta-3,4-diene (700 mgm.) (prepared as described in application No. 168,827) was heated under reflux in methanol (120 ml.) with Raney nickel sludge (4.5 g.) for a period of 2.5 hours. The cooled solution was then filtered and the Raney nickel washed with acetone. The combined filtrate and washings were evaporated under reduced pressure to dryness, and the residue was obtained crystalline by trituration with a few drops of acetone. Recrystallisation from moist acetone furnished 17fl-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-rnethylandrosta-3,5-diene, which, on further recrystallisation from ethanol had M.P. 137 to 138 C., [061 176.5, k 247.5 ma (5 20,230) and was identical with an authentic specimen.

(b) Preparation of 17B-aeetoxy-6-methylandrosta- 4,6-dien-3-0ne lite A solution of the above 6-methyl testosterone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether (1.24 g.) in methylenedichloride (10 ml.) was treated with bromine (0.57 g.) in methylenedichloride ml.). The red mixture was allowed to stand for 30 minutes, then poured into water and the product isolated with ether. crystallisation from acetone/hexane gave l75-acetoxy-6-methylandrosta-4,6-dien- 3-one, plates, M.P. 173 to 174 C., not depressed in admixture with an authentic specimen.

(c) Preparation of 17B-acetoxy-6-methylandr0sta- 4,6-dien-3-0ne 17 8-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-rnethylandrosta-3,S-diene (1 g.) and chloranil (1.5 g.) were refluxed in tert.-butanol (20 ml.) for 3 /2 hours. The solution was diluted with ether, washed with dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide and water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Crystallisation of the residue from aqueous methanol afiorded 17(3- acetoxy-6-methylandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one as plates, MP. 173 to 174 C., identical in every way with an authentic specimen.

(d) Hydrolysis of 6-methyl testosterone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether O OMe OAc ([2) 17a acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 dimethylaminometl1ylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one (2.3 g.) was added to Raney nickel (19 ml. of settled sludge, previously washed with 3 x ml. of methanol) in methanol (50 ml.). The mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours, filtered, and the nickel washed with hot methanol (100 ml.) and water (50 ml.). The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure until the product crystallised, when it was collected and purified from aqueous ethanol to give 17a-acetoxy-3ethoxy-6-methylpregna-3,5- dien-ZO-one in needles, M.P. 167 to 169 C., (c., 0.99 in dioxan), k 247.5 m (6 19,940) in ethanol, 'y (in CCl 3076, 1739, 1715, 1649 and 1621 crnf (b) 17a acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one borane, treated by the process of the previous example, gave l7a-acetoxy-3-ethoxy- 6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one, MP. 167 to 169 C.

(c) 17a acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one (5 g.) in benzene (50 ml.) Was warmed to 40 to 50 C., treated with methyl iodide (3 ml.) and allowed to stand for 5 hours. The product Was collected and washed with ether. A sample purified from acetone/hexane gave 17a-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-trimethylamrnoniummethylpregna-3,S-dien-ZO-one iodide in needles, M.P. 170 to 178 C. (decomp.).

The foregoing compound (1 g.) was added to Raney nickel (6 ml. settled sludge, previously washed with 3x25 ml. methanol) in 25 ml. methanol containing sodium acetate (0.3 g.). The mixture was heated under reflux for /2 hour. The product was isolated as described above to give 17a-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one, MP. 167 to 169 C.

(d) Preparation 01" 17a-acet0xy-6-methy[pregna- 4,6-diene-3,20-dione C O.Me

Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether (IJHQOAG o o L" O 3011 l 6-dimethylaminornethyl cortisone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether, treated by the process of the previous example, gave the amine methiodide, needles from methanol (+02% pyridine), M.P. 188 to 196 C.

The amine methiodide (3.5 g.) was added to Raney nickel [18 ml. settled sludge, previously washed for 18 hours with methyl acetate (50 m1.) and methanol (50 ml.)] and sodium acetate (1.5 g.) in methyl acetate (20 ml.) and methanol (50 ml.). The mixture was heated under reflux for /2 hour, then solution was decanted through a filter. The nickel was treated with boiling methanol (50 ml.) for minutes, then filtered, and the combined filtrates were diluted with water (30 ml.) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The separated solids were purified from aqueous ethanol to give 6- methylcortisone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether in solvated needles, M.P. 108 to 110 C. or 120 to 125 C. 11 (c., 0.77 in dioxan), k 246 to 247 ma (5 18,250) in ethanol, r (in con), 3608, 3484, 3078, 1757, 1737, 1731, 1720, 1709, 1650 and 1622 cmf The foregoing compound (1 g.) in acetic acid ml.) containing concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.1 ml.) was stirred for 1 hour, then diluted with water to turbidity.

More water was added dropwise as the product separated in crystalline form. Purification from acetone/hexane gave 6a-methy1 cortisone acetate in prisms, M.P. 240 to 243 C.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 17a,20:2 0,21bismethylenedioxy- 3-ethoxy6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-115-01 "T O 0 Me HO Me i a EtO- EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 17p-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6- methylandrosta-3,5-diene 17fl-acetoxy 3-ethoxy-6 (N methyl-N phenylaminomethyl)-androsta-3,5-diene (0.5 g.; prepared as described in our co-pending applicationNo. 168,827) was refluxed for 2 hours in ethanol (50 ml.) with Raney nickel (3 ml. of settled suspension). The product was isolated as in Example 1 and crystallised from acetone/methanol containing a trace of pyridine. to give l7fl-acetoxy-3-ethoxy- 6-methylandrosta-3,5-diene asneedles, M.P. 137 to 138 C., identical with the product obtained in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of l 7a,20:20,21bismethylenedioxy- 3ethoxy6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-1 1 one max.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 17u.-acetoxy-3-meth0xy-6-methyl- 16-methylenepregna-3,5-dien20-0ne 0 OMe Me 4 amok 5 17a-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxy-16- methylenepregna-3,5-dien-20-one borane (3 g. crude gum prepared as described in our co-pending application No. 168,827 was refluxed for 3 hours in ethanol (50 ml.) with Raney nickel (12 ml. of settled suspension).

The product was isolated as in Example 1 and crystallised from dichloromethane/methanol containing a trace of pyridine to give 17a-acetoxy-3methoxy-6-methyl-16- methylenepregna-3,5-dien-20-one, prisms, M.P. 202 to 205 C., [aJ 25'5 (c., 1.7 in chloroform) )J 246 mp. (619,890) 7 EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 1 7 a-acetoxy-3-methoxy-6J 6 O6- dimeth-ylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one O OMe '---0Ac ]--Me Me I MeO

l7u-acetoxy-3-methoxy-l6ot-methyl-6 dirnethylaminomethylpregna-3,S-dien-ZO-one borane (3 g.) (described in our co-pending application No. 168,827) was dissolved in methanol (200 ml.) and heated under reflux with Raney nickel (10 g.) for 3 hours. The nickel was re moved by filtration and the filtrate evaporated. .The product crystallised from methanol in plates to give 17aacetoxy-3-methoxy-6,l6a dimethylpregna 3,5-dien-20 one, MP. 191 to 193 0., 130 (c., 1.13

A213, 246 to 247 my (618,200)

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of S-elhoxy-I6a,17a-is0pr0pylidenedi0xy- 6-methyIpregna-3,5-dien-20-0ne O Me o Me Me i A533? 247 to 248 m (619,600), 131? 1710, 1650, 1625 1210, 1050, 870 cm."

(1)) 6-dimethylaminomethyl 3 ethoxy 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dieu-20-one (0.5 g.; prepared as described in our co-pending application No. 168,827, now U.S. Patent No. 3,084,159) in benzene (20 ml.) was treated with methyl iodide (0.5 g.) and the mixture allowed to stand for 4 hours by which time it had set to a gel. Solvent was removed as far as possible under reduced pressure, and the gummy methiodide dissolved in methanol ml.) and added to Raney nickel sludge (4 ml.) which had been thrice washed with methanol (10 rnl.). The mixture was stirred, whilst refluxing for 2 hours, filtered whilst hot and the precipitate twice Washed with small portions of methanol. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a gum. crystallisation from aqueous ethanol gave S-ethoxy- 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-6 methylpregna 3,5-dien- 20-one, plates, M.P. 189 to 196 C., identical with material prepared by Method (a) above.

By procedures similar to (a) and (b) above, S-methoxy,

3-n-propoxy, 3-n-butoxy, 3-n-heptyloxy and 3-cyclohexyloxy-6-dimethylaminornethyl 16a,l7a isopropylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one were prepared and converted respectively into 3-methoxy 6 111thyl-160L,170L-lSOpIO- pylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dieu-20eone, MP. 191 to 194 C., 3-n-propoxy-6-methyl-l6a,17m isopropylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one, M.P. 185 to 192 C., and the corresponding 3-n-butoxy, S-n-heptyloxy, and 3-cyclo hexyloxy derivatives characterised by infrared absorption bands in the region of 1710, 1650, 1625 and 1205 CHIC-1.

These compounds were characterised by anti-inflamatory and progestational activity,

14 EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 3-(3-eth0xy-17fi-hydr0xy-6-methylandr0sta-3,5-dien-17ot-yl) ropionic acid lactone EtO- A mixture of 3-(6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-ethoxy-17/3- hydroxyandrosta-3,5-dien-17a-yl)propionic acid lactone (3 g.) and methyliodide (5 ml.) in benzene (50 ml.) was left at room temperature for 4 hours. The gelatinous precipitate of methiodide was collected and used without purification.

A solution of the methiodide (3 g.) in methanol ml.) was treated with Raney nickel sludge (30 ml. thrice washed with methanol) and the stirred mixture heated under reflux for 2 hours. The nickel was removed by filtration, washed with hot methanol (100 ml.) and the combined filtrate and washings taken to dryness in vacuo. The residue was purified to give 3-(3-ethoxy-l7fi-hydroxy- 6-methylandrosta-3,S-dien-l7a-yl)propionic acid lactone, kmax, 248 m (log e 4.27),

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 6,17a-dimethyI-J7B-hyclr0xy-3- meth0xyandr0sta-3,5-diene A solution of 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-methoxy17amethyl-l7B-propionoxyandrosta-3,S-diene borane (1 g.) in methanol (25 ml.) was treated with Raney nickel sludge (10 ml. thrice washed with methanol) and the stirred mixture refluxed for 2 hours. The product, 6,17a dimethyl-3-methoxy-17,8-propionoxyandrosta 3,5-diene, was isolated by the method described in the previous example, and treated in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 ml.) with lithium aluminium hydride (0.4 g.) for 1 hour under reflux. A few drops of ethyl acetate were added to the cooled mixture, followed by saturated aqueous sodium sulphate (l0 rnl.). The mixture was shaken, decanted from inorganic salts, the solution dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. crystallisation of the residue gave 6,17OL-dimethyl-l7/3-hydroxy-3-rnethoxyandrosta-3,S-diene, 247.5 m (log 6 4.25),

nnex.

'1 EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 1 7ut-ethyl-l 7 3-hydr0xy-3-methoxy- 6-methylandrosta-3,5-diene "CzH5 Te MeO- 1 Me A mixture of 17,8-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-17aethyl-3-methoxyandrosta-3,5-diene (3.5 g.) and methyl iodide (6 ml.) in dry benzene (75 ml.) was left at room temperature for 3 hours. The resulting methiodide was collected, dissolved in methanol (120 ml.), Raney nickel sludge (40 ml., thrice washed with methanol) was added, and the stirred mixture heated under reflux for 2 hours. The product, 17,8-acetoxy-l7a-ethyl-3-methoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,5-diene, was isolated by the method described in Example 10, and treated with lithium aluminium hydride (0.5 g.) in dry tetrahydrofuran (80 ml) for 45 minutes under reflux. The product was isolated by the method described in the previous example, and purified to give 17u-ethy1-17B-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,5-diene, k 248 m (log. 6 4.26),

12123400, 105031020 ant- EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 6-methyl-3-ethoxy pregna-Bj ,1 7 (2O trien-21-0ate ethyl ester 2.50 g. 3,5,17(20-=trien-21-oate ethyl ester borane were added to a suspension of 20 ml. of a Raney nickel sludge, which had previously been washed with a 1:1 mixture of methanol and methyl acetate, in (50 ml.) of the same solvent mixture. The resulting mixture was heated under reflux for an hour, and filtered, the nickel being washed with the solvent mixture and with water. The combined filtrate and washings were stripped under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by recrystallisation from methanol, M.P. 118 to 121 C. +188.5 (c., 0.3034 in dioxan AR), Amax, 230 to 233 m (e 22,660).'

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 6-methyl-3-ethoxy-21-acetoxypregna- 3,5 ,1 7(20) -triene Me O H1OA0 iEtO of 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-ethoxypregna- 2.50 g. of 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3ethoxy-2l-acetoxypregna-3,5,17(20)-triene borane were added to a suspension of (20 ml.) of a Raney nickel sludge, which had previously been washed with 1:1 mixture of methanol and methyl acetate, in (50 m1.) of the same solvent mixt-ure. The resulting mixture was heated under reflux for an hour, and filtered, the nickel being washed with the solvent mixture and with water. The combined filtrate and washings were stripped under reduced pressure, and the resulting gum, dissolved in benzene, was purified by chromatography onto alumina which had been previously treated with methyl acetate. Elution with benzene yielded 6-methyl-3-ethoxy-2l-acetoxypregna- 3,5,17(20)-triene as a pale yellow gum,

5,33} 1740, 1680, 1050, 1022 (Intracord determination) EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-iidien-I 7-one 0 i ll Me i EtO-

3-ethoxy-6-dimethylaminomethylandrosta 3,5-dien-17- one (10 g.) in hexane ml.) was treated with methyl iodide (4 ml.) for 24 hours at room temperature. The precipitated methiodide was collected and dried, and treated with Raney nickel (40 ml. of settled sludge, previously washed with methanol) in refluxing methanol (200 ml.) for 40 minutes. The hot mixture was filtered, the nickel was washed with acetone (100 ml.) and water (50 ml.) and the combined filtrates were evaporated under reduced pressure until the product separated out. Purification from aqueous ethanol gave 3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one in needles, M.P. v135 to 138 0., [M 113 (c., 1.00 in dioxan), 71 248 mp. (e 20,830) in ethanol, 'y (in CCl 3075, 1743, 1649 and 1622 cm.-

EXAMPLE 16 CHzOAO Me H A HO.CH2OH20 I The procedure of the previous example, applied to 21- acetoxy-17a-hydroxy3 (fi-hydroxyethoxy)-6-dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione gave 6-methylcortisone acetate 3-enol (B-hydroxyethyD-ether, prisms from aqueous acetone, M.P. to 138 C., +3.5 (0., 0.60 in dioxan), A 246 mu (e=16,260) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation p7 6-methyl cortisone acetate3-en0l cyclopentyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 2l-acetoxy-3- cyclopentyloxy 17u-hydroxy-6 dimethylaminomethylprena-3,5-diene-11,20-dio11e gave 6-methyl cortisone ace- 17 tate 3-enol cyclopentyl ether, prisms from aqueous methanol, M.P. 175 to 179 C., 24 (c., 1.02 in dioxan) A 249.5 ma (e 19,970) in ethanol, 7mm (in CCl 3610, 3493, 3082, 1758, 1736, 1710, 1648, 1621 cm.-

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol cyclohexyl ether Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol (3-phenylpropyl) ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy 3-(3-phenylpropyloxy)-17a-hydroxy-6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dine, gave 6-methy1 cortisone, acetate 3-enol (3-phenylpropyl) ether, M.P. 118 to 119 C., k 250 m (e=19,570) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-propyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to ZI-acetoxy- 3-n-propyloxy-l7a hydroxy-6 dimethylaminome-thylpregna-3,54:liene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-en0l n-propyl ether, plates from aqueous methanol+1% pyridine, M.P. 163 to 165 C., [111 14 (c., 1.12 in dioxan), k 247.5 m (e=20,l80) in ethanol, 7mm (in C01,), 3609, 3499, 3080, 1756, 1734, 1708, 1652 and 1622 cmf EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol iso-propyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy- 3-isopropyloxy-l7a hydroxy-6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol iso-propyl ether, prisms from aqueous ethanol, M.P. 163 to 164 C., (c., 0.93 in dioxan), A 250 m 17,855) in ethanol, 'y (in CCl 3603, 3486, 3072, 1756, 1733, 1708, 1648 and 1619 cm.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-batyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acctoxy- 3-n-butyl0xy-17a-hydroxy-6-dimethylaminomethylpregna- 3,5-diene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methy1 cortisone acetate 3-eno1 n-butyl ether, needles, M.P. 161 to 163 C., [zx.] 15 (c., 1.25 in dioxan),

A523, 247 .5 m (e19,030) EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol sec-butyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy- 3-sec-butyloxy-17a-hydroxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol sec-butyl ether,

A 248 m (e19,080)

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-amyl ether I The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy- 18 3 -n-amyloxy- 17 a-hydroxy-6-dimethylaminomethylpregua- 3-5-diene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-amyl ether, plates, M.P. 145 to 148 C., [0d 14 (c., 0.83 in dioxan),

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-hexyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy-3- n-hexyloxy-17a-hydroxy-6 dimethylaminomethylpregna- 3,5-dieue-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-hexyl ether, needles from aqueous methanol containing a few drops of pyridine of M.P. 114 to 117 C.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of o-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-heptyl ether The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy- 3-n-heptyloxy-17a-hydroxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione, gave 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol n-heptyl ether, needles, M.P. 127 to 130 C., [11] 11 (c., 0.99 in dioxan),

max.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 21 -acetoxy-1 7a-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6- methyl pregna-3,5,9 (1 1 -rien-20-one O I'IzOAC I C O The procedure of Example 3, applied to 21-acetoxy- 17a hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-dimethylaminomethylpregna- 3,5,9 1 1 )-trien-20-one gave 2l-acetoxy-l7arhydroxy-3- methoxy-6-methylpregna 3,5,9(l1) trien-20-one, xmax, 250 m (e:l9,790) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 2:;

Preparation of 1 7 a-ltydroxy-3-meth0xy-6,21 dimethy l pregna-3 ,5 -a' iene-I 1,20-di0ne (IEHa $112 0 O MeO- I Me

The procedure of Example 3, applied to l7a-hydroxy- 3-methoxy-2l-methyl 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna- 3,5-diene-11,20-dione gave 17a-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6,21- dimethylpregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione, 250 mp. (e=l8,860) in ethanol.

19 EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of 17,8-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylandrsta-3,5-diene A solution of l7fi-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-3- ethoxyandrosta-3,5-diene methacetate (prepared by treating 1 g. of the methiodidewith silver acetate in methanol) in methanol (25 ml.) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure in the presence of palladium on charcoal (0.2 g.) until 1 equivalent of hydrogen had been absorbed. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the product was isolated from the mother liquor by dilution with'water. Crystallisation from aqueousmethanol containing a trace'of pyridine gave 17 B-acetoxy-3-ethoxyfi-methylandrosta-3,5-diene, MP. 136 to 138 C., [0:];{ -175 (c., 0.75 in dioxan), identical with material prepared in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of I7,8-acetogcy-3aethoxy-6rmethylandrosta-3,5-diene A solution of 17fi-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-3- ethoxyandrosta-3,5- diene methacetate (prepared from 1 g.

of the methiodide and silver acetate in methanol) in methanol (25 ml.) was shaken with hydrogen at room temperature and pressure in the presence of 5% palladium on calcium carbonate (0.2 g.) until adsorption of hydrogen ceased. The product crystallised from aqueous methanol containing a trace of pyridine to give 17,8-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,S-diene as needles, MP. 136 to 138 C., [M 173 (c., 0.8 in dioxan), identical with material prepared in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of 17oc-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 3-ethoxy-6-rnethylandr0sta- 3,5-dien-1 7-one 3-ethoxy-6-dimethylaminomethylandrosta 3,5-dien-17- one was converted into its methiodide as in Example 15. The methiodide (10 g.), silver acetate (4 g.), sodium acetate (4 g.) and methanol (200 ml.) were stirred together for 2 hours, filtered, and the filtrate, containing the quaternary ammonium acetate was hydrogenated over 5% palladium/charcoal .catalyst (2.5 g.). The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate concentrated to crystallisation. Purification from aqueous ethanol gave 3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one, MP. 135 to 138 C., identical with the sample prepared by the process of Example 15.

EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of V 21 -acetoxy-1 7 a-hydr0xy-3-me thoxy-6 methy lpregna-3 ,5 ,9 1 1 -trien-20-one 21-acetoxy-17a-hydroxy-3-methoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5,9(11)-trien-20-one, treated by the process of the foregoing example, gave 2l-acetoxy-17ahydroxy-3-methoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5,9(11) trien-ZO- one, A 250 m (e.=19,790) in ethanol.

20 EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of 16w]7a-epoxy-3-methoxy-6-methylpregna-3,5-dien-20-0ne 1600,1704-6POXY 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one, treated by the process of Example 32 gave 16w17 -epoxy-3-methoxy-6-methylpregna- 3,5-dien-20-one, needles .from methanol M.P. 167 to 170 C., [a] 114 (c., 103 in dioxan), x 247 m (e=19,720'), x (in C61 3078, 1707, 1651 and 1626 CH1. 1.

EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-en0l cyclohexyl ether 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol .ethyl ether (2 g.) (prepared by the process of Example 3), cyclohexanol (10 ml.) and benzene (300 ml.) Were heated together under anhydrous conditions, half of the benzene being allowed to distil off. Toluene-p-s ulphonic acid (8 mg., anhydrous) was addedand distillation was continued for 40 minutes until most of the benzene had been removed.

Pyridine (2 ml.) was added, and the solvents were completely removed at 0.5 mm. pressure on the steam-bath. The residue, purified from aqueous methanol, gave the 3-enol cyclohexyl ether, M.P. 174 to 177"C., identical with the sample prepared by the process of Example 18.

EXAMPLE 36 Preparation of 21-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylpregna- 3,5-dien-20-one CHzOAc A223? 246.5.ri1p (e .=19,730)

EXAMPLE 37 Preparation of 17fi-acetoxy-2a,6-dimethyl- 3-eth0xyandr0sta-3,5-diene Me Me-- l Me A mixture of 17/5-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-3- ethoxy-2a-methylandrosta 3,S-diene (1 g.), Raney nickel (5 ml.) and methanol (50 ml.) was refluxed for 7 hours.

crystallised from aqueous methanol to give 17B-acetoxy- 2a,6-dimethyl-3-ethoxyandrosta-3,5-diene as needles,

max.

W 248 m (6 19,750), 51;? 1726, 1655 and 1620 cm.

EXAMPLE 38 Preparation of 6-methyl-3-m'eth0xy-17,8-acetoxy- 1 9-n0randr0st-3 ,5 -diene (I)Ae Meo- 7.1 ml. of a solution of phosgene in ethylene dichloride (10% w./v.) were add-ed dropwise to a stirred solution of 1.09 ml. of dimethylformarnide in 10 ml. of ethylene dichloride at 0 C. After a further 10 minute stirring, a solution of 1.96 g. of 17 3-acetoxy-3-methoxy-oestra- 2,5 10)-diene (US. Patent No. 2,846,452), in ml. of ethylene dichloride was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and treated with a solution of 0.40 g. of lithium borohydride in ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The solution was poured into water and extracted with ether and the ether solution was washed with water, dried (Na SO and evaporated. Recrystallisation from a mixture of methanol and acetone afforded 6-dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxy-17B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-3,5-diene borane. 1.25 g. of 6-dimethylaminomethyl 3-methoxy 17B acetoxy 19-nor-androst-3,5- diene borane was dissolved in 10 ml. of piperidine and the mixture was refluxed for 4 hours. The piperidine was distilled off at reduced pressure and the residue was taken up in benzene and the benzene solution filtered. The filtrate was treated with 3 ml. of methyl iodide and allowed to stand overnight. The resulting precipitate was collected, dissolved in methanol and hydrogenated in the presence of 0.65 g. of anhydrous sodium acetate and 0.2 g. of palladium on charcoal catalyst. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate poured into water. The precipitate of 6-methyl3-methoxy-17B-acetoxy-19-nor-androst- 3,5-diene Was collected and purified by chromatography on an alumina column which had been treated with ethyl acetate, eluting with benzene,

23i? (Infracord determination) 1740, 1650, 1620, 1238 1207, 1170, 1042, 1022, Am. 246.5 m

EXAMPLE 39 Preparation of 3-meth0xy-6-methylandr0sta- 3,5-dien-1 7-0ne G-dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxyandrosta-3,S-dien- 17-one was treated by the process of Example 32 to give 3-rnethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,S-dien-17-one, M.P. 152 to 4 C., [a],; 114 (c., 1.0 in dioxan),

max.

EXAMPLE 40 Preparation of 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-en0l benzyl ether max.

after purification from aqueous methanol.

22 EXAMPLE 41 Preparation of 3-eth0xy-6,16a-a imethy[pregna= I 3,5-dien-20-one The procedure of Example 15 applied to 3-ethoxy-6- dimethylaminomethyl-l6a-methylpregna 3,5 dien 20- one gave 3-ethoxy-6,16a-dimethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one, plates, M.P. 107 to 110 C., [ab-66 (c., 1.3 in dioxan),

x523? 247.5 m (620,090) after purification from aqueous methanol.

EXAMPLE 42 Preparation 0 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-en0l methyl ether methyl cortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether in flakes,

M.P. 178 to 180 C., [a] 12.5 (c., 0.98 in dioxan),

A212, 246 ma (17,650), (in CCl 3608, 3490 3079, 1756, 1735, 1709, 1654 and 1626 cm.

EXAMPLE 43 Preparation 0 17/3-acet0xy-3-ethoxy-6- methylandr0sta-3,5-diene l7fi-acetoxy-3 ethoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylandrosta-3,5-diene borane (l g.) was hydrogenated in methanol (50 ml.) over 5% palladium/charcoal catalyst (0.5 g.). After an initial absorption of hydrogen the volume of hydrogen increased due to interaction of liberated borane with the solvent. When no further change in volume occurred the catalyst was removed and the solvent evaporated. Purification from aqueous ethanol gave acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-methylandrosta-3,S-diene, M.P. 137 to 138 C.

EXAMPLE 44 Preparation of 6-methylhydroc0rtis0ne acetate 3-en0l methyl ether CIJH OAc CO -OH HO l Me 6 dimethylaminomethylhydrocortisone 21 acetate 3- enol methyl ether (1 g.), acetic acid (1 ml.), sodium acetate (3 g.), 5% palladium-charcoal (250 mg), cyclohexene (2 ml.) and ethanol (25 ml.) were stirred and heated under reflux for 2 /2 hours, then the catalyst was removed by filtration and washed with hot methanol. The filtrates were poured into water and extracted with ether which was washed with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and water, dried (Na- 30 and evaporated. The residue, purified from aqueous methanol+l% pyridine, gave 6-methylhydrocortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether, k 247 m (2 18,165) in ethanol.

In the same Way, employing as as the starting material 6dimethylaminomethylhydrocortisone ZI-acetate 3 enol ethyl ether, the product was 6-methylhydrocortisone acetate 3-eno1 ethyl ether prisms, MP. 166 to 170 C., 37 (c., 1.02 in dioxan), xmax, 247 to 250 ma (e 20,065) in ethanol, 'y 247 to 250 m (s=20,065) in ethanol.

' Me U Moo-- 3methoxy-6-dimethylaminornethyloestra-3,S-dien 17- one (2 g.), benzoic acid (0.6 g.) (0.85 mol.), palladium/charcoal (0.5 g.), cyclohexene (2 ml.) and ethanol (30 ml.) were stirred and heated under reflux for 2 hours, then the catalyst was removed by filtration, and' the filtrate diluted with water and extracted with'ether. The ether was washed with 5% succinic acid solution, water, 5% sodium carbonate solution, and water, dried (Na SO and evaporated. The residue was purified from aqueous methanol to give 3-methoxy6-methyloestra- 3,5-dien-l7-one in needles, M.P. 153 to 155 C., 145 (0., 1.01 in dioxan), A 247 m (e 19,470) in ethanol, y (in C01 3080, 1743, 1652 and 1625 cm.-

The process was similarly employed for the preparation of the corresponding ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, benzyl and other 3-enol ethers of 6-methyl-1'9- norandrost-4-ene-3 ,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 46 Preparation of 6-methylcortisone acetate 3-en0l n-octylether 6dimethylaminomethylcortisone.acetate 3-enol n-octyl ether treated by the process of Example 45 gave 6-methyl-' cortisone acetate 3-enol n-octyl ether, needles from aqueous -methan01+1% pyridine, M.P. 119 to 121 C.,

(e 18,080) in ethanol.

24 EXAMPLE 47 Preparation of 6-methyltest0sterone acetate 3-enol methyl ether 6piperidinornethyltestosterone acetate 3 enol methyl ether (1 g.) treated by the process of Example 44 gave 6-methyltestosterone acetate 3-enol methyl ether.

EXAMPLE 48 Preparation of 6-methylest0ster0ne acetate 3-en0l methyl ether EXAMPLE 49 Preparation of 21acetoxy-3-methoxy-6-methylpregna- 3,5,1 7(20.)-trien-11-0ne 21-acetoXy-3-methoxy-6 dimethylaminomethylpregna- 3,5,17(20)-trien-11-one treated by the process of Example 44 gave 21-acetoxy-3-methoxy 6 methylpregnapyridine, M.P. 157 to 163 C., 55 (c., 1.06 in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 50 Preparation of 6-methylc0rtis0ne 1 7a,21-aeet0nl'a"e 3-en0l methyl ether 6dimethylaminornethylcortisone 1741,21 acetonide 3- enol methyl ether treated by the process of Example 42 gave 6-methylcortisone 17a,21-acetonide 3-eno1 methyl ether, triangular; clusters of prisms from ethan01+1% pyridine, M.P. 157 to 163 (3., --.55 v(c.,,1.()6 in dioxan), Amax, 246.5 111 1. (e=18,170).

25 EXAMPLE 51 Preparation of 6-methylcortis0ne acetate 3-en0l-n-pr0pyl ether I Me Cortisone acetate 3-enol-n-propyl ether (Ercoli and Gardi, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1960, 82, 746) (25 g.) in methylene chloride (150 ml.) and pyridine (1 ml.) was added to the complex prepared at C. from phosgene (10.8 g.) in methylene chloride (150 ml.) and dimethylformamide (25 ml.) in methylene chloride (100 ml.). After stirring for 1 hour at 0 C. the solution was diluted with methylene chloride (200 ml.), phenazone (20.5 g.) was added, then the stirred mixture was treated dropwise over 15 minutes with a solution of lithium borohydride (1.32 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.). The solution was then poured into water (1 1.) containing sodium carbonate (15 g.), and extracted with ether (750 ml.). The organic layer was Washed with water twice, then the basic product was extracted into aqueous succinic acid solution (four portions of 100 ml. each). The combined succinic acid solutions were washed once with ether (50 ml.), then poured into water containing sodium carbonate (30 g.), and the product extracted into ether. The ether was washed four times with water, dried (Na SO and evaporated, to give 2l-acetoxy-17ahydroxy 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 propyloxypregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione, A 249 my.

This crude 6-dimethylaminomethyl derivative (19.5 g.), benzoic acid (4.7 g.), 5% palladium-charcoal (5 g.), cyclohexene (27.5 ml.) and ethanol (200 ml.) were stirred together and heated under reflux for 2 /2 hours, then the catalyst was collected on a filter and washed with hot methanol, and the combined filtrates were poured into water 1 1.) containing succinic acid (10 g.). The product was extracted with ether, which was washed with Water, sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, and water, dried (Na -S0 and the solvents removed. The residue was purified from aqueous methanol '+1% pyridine to give 6-methylcortisone acetate 3-enol-n-propyl ether, plates, MP. 172 to 175 C., [05133 14 (c., 1.08 in dioxan), A 274 m (6 18,890) in ethanol, identical with the product from Example 20.

EXAMPLE 52 Preparation of 6,16a-dimethylcortz'sone acetate 3-en0l n-propyl ether l Me 16a-methylcortisone acetate (20 g.) was treated with ethyl orthoformate (20 ml.) and toluene-p-sulphonic acid (1 g.) in dioxan (200 ml.) for 30 minutes at room temperature, then the mixture was poured into a mixture of benzene (1 l.) and n-propanol (500 ml.), from which ca. 60 ml. had previously been distilled to remove traces of water. Slow distillation was continued for 2% hours (500 ml. distillate collected) then pyridine (5 ml.) was added and the solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was purified from aqueous methanol+1% pyridine to give 16a-n1ethy1cortisone acetate 3-enol n-propyl ether, t 238 m (6 20,180) in ethanol.

The foregoing compound, treated by the process of Example 51, gave the -dimethylaminomethyl derivative, h 249.5 m (6 19,150) in ethanol, which was hydrogenolysed by the process of Example 51 to give 6,160:- dimethylcortisone acetate 3-enol n-propyl ether, A 274 my. (6 18,920) in ethanol, a (in CCl 3604, 3487, 3077, 1756, 1733, 1707, 1649 and 1619 cmf 16a-methy1cortisone acetate was treated by the process of Example 52 to give its 3-enol n-propyl ether, A 328 m (e 20,040) in ethanol which was converted into its 6 dimethylaminomethyl derivative, t 249.5 my.

(6 18,700) in ethanol, which was reduced to give 6,165

dimethylcortisone acetate 3-enol n-propyl ether, A 247.5 l'l'l/L (6 19,000) in ethanol, A (in CCl 3608, 3498, 3080, 1755, 1734, 1707, 1650 and 1621 cmf EXAMPLE 54 Preparation of 6-methylcortz's0ne acetate 3-en0l fi-chloroethyl ether Cortisone acetate 3enol B-chloroethyl ether (US. Patent No. 3,099,858), treated by the process of Example 51, gave 6-methylcortisone acetate 3-enol B-chloroethy] ether, Amax, 247.5 m (E:19,840) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 55 Preparation 0 17a-acet0xy-3-meth0xy-6-methylpregna- 3,5 -zh'ene-20-one O OMe --OAc Me 4 I MeO- I Me

1712 acetoxy 3 methoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylpregna 3,5 dien 20 one'treated by the process of Example 48 gave 17a-acetoxy-3-rnethoxy-6-methylpregna'-3' ,5-dien-20-one, prisms from methanol, M.P. 216 to 220 (3., [M l67 (c., 0.89 in dioxan), x 247 m (617,620) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 56 Preparation of tablets each containing 4 mg. of d-methylcortisone acetate 3-n-pr0pyl enol ether Mg. 6-methyl cortisone acetate 3-n propylenol ether 4 Lactose 80 Sodium bicarbonate 25 Starch paste 10% w./w., a sufficient quantity. Magnesium stearate- 1.3 Starch, sufiicient to produce 129.6

EXAMPLE 57 Preparation of 17a-acetoxy-3-methoxy-d-methylpregna 3,5-dien-20-one 1704 acetoxy 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxyprogna-3,5-dien-20-one (5 g.) in ethanol (100 ml.) was treated with 30% hydrogen peroxide-(=20 ml.) for 4 days at room temperature. Water (500 ml.) was added, and the mixture was extracted with ether (100 ml.) which was rejected. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride (6x25ml.) and the combined extracts were Washed with water ml.), dried Na SO and the solvents evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with acetone to give the N-oxide, M.P. 1-16 to 119 C.

This N-oxide (1 g.) in methanol (25 ml.) was added to a pre-reduced 5% palladium-charcoal catalyst (200 mg.)- in methanol (25 ml.) and hydrogenated until re-- action almost ceased after about 70 ml.) had been absorbed. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate diluted with water. The precipitated solids were purified from methanol to give 17a-acetoxy-3-methoxy-6- methylpregna-S',5-dien-20-one, M.P. 216 to 220 C., identical with the product of Example 55.

EXAMPLE 5 8 Preparation of 3-meth0xy-6-methyl-9B, IOa-pregna-iS- diert-ZO-One A mixture of 6-dimethy1aminornethyl-Z-methoxy-9B, 10a-pregna-3,5-dien-20-one (0.5 g.), acetic acid (0.5 ml.), sodium acetate (1.5 g.), 5% palladium-charcoal (0.1 g.), cyclohexene (2 ml.) and ethanol ("10 ml.) was stirred and heated under reflux for 3 hours. The product, isolated as in Example 44, contained 3-methoxy-6-methy1- 9,6, 10a-pregna-3,5-dien-20-one, having A212? 248 m (6 18,100) and 513;? 1710, 1650, and 1625 cm." I

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of a 6-methyl-3-enol ether of a 3-oxo-A of theandrostane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane and 19-norpregnane series comprising subjecting a corresponding 3-enolic ether of a 6.-aminomethyl-3-oxo- A -steroid in solution to hydrogenolysis with a source of activated hydrogen to convert the 6-aminornethyl group to a 6-methyl group.

selected from the group consisting of Raney nickel, platinum and palladium, and a hydrogen donor in the presence of'a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Raney nickel, platinum andpalladium. Y

3. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein a steroid selected from the group consisting of a 3-enolic ether of the. 6-aminomethyl-3-oxo-A -steroid, an acidic salt and a borane complex thereof is reacted with palladium charcoal in the presence of a source of hydrogen selected from the group consisting of cyclohexene and benzyl alcohol.

4. A process as claimed in claim 3 wherein the steroid startingmaterial is treated with palladium charcoal in a lower aliphatic alcohol in the presence of a source of hydrogen selected from the group consisting of cyclohexene and benzyl alcohol at a temperature between 30 .C. and C.

ture:

RIOU

where R is selected .from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkyl and aralkyl, which process comprises subjecting in solution 'to hydrogenolysis with a source of activated hydrogen a corresponding 3-eno1ic ether of a 6-aminomethyl-3-oxo-A -steroid having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure where R is defined above, R and R are selected from the group consisting of wherein R and R are each alkyl containing up to 6 carbon atoms,

wherein R is alkyl containing up to 6 carbon atoms and R is aryl, and

29 30 aralkyl, to thereby split the ON linkage of the 6-amin0- References Cited by the Examiner methyl group and provide the 6-methyl substltuent. UNITED STATES PATENTS 7. 21 acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 methylpregna 3,5- dienaaom 2,888,427 3/1959 Beylor et a1. 260-23955 th 1 17 21- to 1 thl 3,009,8 8 1 /1961 Ercoh 167--65 ethen m y cor ace m e m m y 5 3,019,241 1/1962 Ercoli 260-397.4 9 A d h f 1 3,047,591 7/1962 Petrow 61: a1. 260397.4 compo o 6 g: 3,084,174 4/1963 Patchett et a1. 260-397.4

ff; 10 FOREIGN PATENTS 802,005 9/1958 Great Britain.

Me OTHER REFERENCES Lowenthal: Tetrahedron (1959), vol. 6, No. 4, page 15 291. RO- Villotti et al.: I. Am. Chem. S0c., v01. 81, Sept 5,

I 1959, pages 45 6670. Me

where R is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic LEWIS GOTTS Prlmary Examiner and alicyclic radicals containing up to 7 carbon atoms. 20 MORRIS LIEBMAN, IRVING MARCUS, Examiners. 

9. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA 